Five key factors

Wednesday

Oct 30, 2013 at 12:01 AMNov 1, 2013 at 4:28 AM

Five key factors for Ohio State to beat Purdue

Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

1. Conquer the ghosts

Ohio State's recent history at Ross-Ade Stadium isn't pretty, and it's something the Buckeyes have been reminded of all week. They have to use it for what it's worth - as motivation to avoid complacency. But if it starts to creep into their heads that they are somehow cursed in West Lafayette, Ind., the game could be closer than it should be.

2. Don't oversleep

This is not meant in the literal sense: The Buckeyes will get out of bed on time. But after a prime-time game against Penn State on national TV, a noon game on the Big Ten Network might not get the juices flowing. Coach Urban Meyer has consistently cited the potential for slow starts in early games. If OSU players are as mature as he thinks they are, the starting time shouldn't be a factor.

3. Avoid turnovers

The Buckeyes haven't had a turnover in their past two games and are tied for 13th nationally in turnover margin at plus-8. Purdue's best chance to keep the game close is for Ohio State to be careless with the ball. Quarterback Braxton Miller has had fumbling issues and needs to secure the ball tightly. Purdue knows that it can't stop the Buckeyes consistently, so the Boilermakers will try hard to pry the ball free.

4. Improve pass defense

The Buckeyes took a big step forward last week when it held Penn State's passing game in check, intercepting Christian Hackenberg twice before knocking him out of the game. The Buckeyes face another true freshman quarterback this week in Danny Etling. He's not the gifted player that Hackenberg is. It's important that Ohio State make the day as miserable as it did for Penn State's freshman.

5. Adjust to the scheme

Purdue shifted from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 a few weeks ago. This late in the season, coaches usually have a good feel for what will work and won't work against a particular defense because there's enough video to show it. With a new look, Ohio State will have to improvise.